Reverend Donald E. Ricard, 77, a resident of Otterbein St. Marys Retirement Community, died at 4:00 P.M. Monday, April 17, 2017. He was born May 10, 1939, in Rudolph, Ohio, the son of Benjamin and Zilpha (Sheets) Ricard.

He married Charlotte Smalley on December 24, 1961, and she survives at Otterbein St. Marys. He is also survived by his children: Andrew (Lynne) Ricard of Morro Bay, California; Jonathan (Nan) Ricard of Springboro, Ohio; Rachel (Doug) Hertenstein of St. Marys; Sarah (Scot) Hunter of St. Marys. He is survived by his grandchildren: Todd (Karie); Kathryn, Jessica, Colleen, Emerson, Alexandra, Gabrielle, Robert, Samantha, Anne, Benjamin, Stephen (Kristine), Dillon and Matthew; by two great-grandchildren: Ruby and Hailey. Also surviving are his siblings: Ronald (Marvalene) Ricard of Bowling Green, Ohio; Thomas (Jeanne) Ricard of North Baltimore, Ohio; David (Elizabeth) Ricard of Englewood, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by a son, Joseph Ricard; by a brother, Emerson Ricard; by two sisters: Angelene Smith and Shirley Vigh.

Don was a 1957 graduate of Liberty Township High School. He graduated from Otterbein College in 1962; and United Theological Seminary in 1964. He was an ordained United Methodist minister, and served West Ohio conference churches during his ministry. Don also did carpentry and painting work. He was a poet, and for many years was the author of "Pastoral Portraits," a weekly poetry column which was published in The Celina Daily Standard and the St. Marys Evening Leader.

A family remembrance celebration will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Don's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net, where memorial gifts may be directed to the Otterbein St. Marys Benevolent Fund.